While modern homes in Melbourne don’t have any lurking issues, the same can’t be said for vintage or old buildings. Houses and apartments built before the 1980s indeed have character and unique designs; however, they are bound to have a few safety elements that need to be inspected.
You have to investigate thoroughly, especially if you are moving into a home with some vintage flair. Be sure to conduct proper safety checks, such as assessing for lead paint, pests, or outdated wiring. Doing so will help you find the hidden issues and rectify them so that you ensure optimal health and safety for your family.
Let’s see the silent hazards that you need to consider rectifying:
Carbon Monoxide
One of the greatest hidden dangers at your home is carbon monoxide gas. It is a colourless and odourless toxic gas that becomes a silent killer when you inhale it continuously. It is released from any appliance that uses oil, gas, kerosene, wood, coal and charcoal. So make sure the gas appliances are thoroughly serviced before you use them.
CO is a dangerous gas and you could develop symptoms similar to viral flu. They include headaches, nausea, dizziness, burning eyes, and drowsiness and sometimes in extreme cases, it leads to brain damage and death.
It’s the reason why you should consider installing a carbon monoxide monitor. It will immediately notify you when there is a CO leak and you can take necessary precautions from inhaling it.
It’s the reason why you should consider installing a carbon monoxide monitor. It will immediately notify you when there is a CO leak and you can take necessary precautions from inhaling it.
Slippery Surfaces
Vintage homes have bathrooms with floors that become slippery over time. Whenever kids or the elderly walk on these dangerous floors, there could be falls that will cause severe injuries.
So, consider adding non-slip surfaces to the tub and floors, especially surrounding the tub/shower/sink.
Apart from the bathroom, check also the bedrooms for potential slipping on rugs and runners to keep slip hazards at bay.
Apart from the bathroom, check also the bedrooms for potential slipping on rugs and runners to keep slip hazards at bay.
Air Contaminants
Vintage homes tend to have bad air quality inside and it can lead to various respiratory issues like allergies and asthma. You have to do some work before you move into the vintage home so that you can improve the quality of air.
You can remove allergens by choosing to install hardwood or laminate flooring. Consider installing air-filtration systems and air-purifying house plants so that you can significantly improve the quality of air.
Pests
You can expect the vintage homes to be infested with pests such as rodents and insects. You can find these in the hidden areas of your home such as attics, basements, sheds and stairways.
If you can’t handle eliminating the infestation, then consider calling professionals. Also, regular inspections and resolutions will help you keep your home infestation. Preventing infestation is better especially to save your time and money.
Potent Cleaning Chemicals
Whether you have a modern or vintage home, you have to store all the potent cleaning chemicals in one place. They should be at an out-of-reach location from kids so that they cannot have access to the harmful contents. They become poisonous if ingested or used inappropriately so always be careful when storing cleaning chemicals at your home.
Stairs
The entire pathway of stairs should be strong with no chips, creaks, and irregular stair steps. To make them safe, install railings and place grip mats to protect yourself from slipping.
Additionally, you can install lights on the staircase and paint the bottom step a brighter colour to make sure they are visible during the night. If you have stairs outside, consider installing nonslip mats and salts in icy weather.
Mould
Before you move into a home, check for the presence of mould. It thrives in damp environments so keep an alert eye in wet places like bathrooms, kitchens, balconies, roofs and through the entire drainage system. You can control mould growth by controlling the humidity and promptly repairing issues like leakages and water damage repairs.
Electrical Hazards
Faulty wiring is extremely dangerous as it can lead to short circuits and fire accidents. Check the house for overloaded outlets and outdated electrical systems and make sure you resolve them before you move in.
Conduct regular inspections and use surge protectors to protect devices and appliances from power outages.
Final Thoughts
It’s not safe to live in a home that has silent hazards. Identifying and resolving them is the only way to make your home safe for you and your family. Always be vigilant and don’t underestimate the consequences of silent hazards that you have to face, especially in older homes.
